When Faith’s Sewing Group was first established, its primary purpose was to make bandages out of old sheets, which were then sent overseas. Much has changed since those first days and you will now find a modern sewing group that meets the needs of people experiencing real-life issues, both locally and globally. The mission of this group is to, “Show the love of Christ to others through the work of our hands.” And it is with love that these women assemble every other Thursday here at Faith.
The Women’s Sewing Group is currently stitching strong with 32 members. The ladies come from all walks of life, varying in ages from 35 to 92. Some come from other churches but attend because of their love of sewing. The group welcomes anyone who desires to use their skills and seek friendship. There are women who knit and crochet in their homes, making lap afghans, hats for children, baby sweaters, and small baby afghans. One woman no longer lives in the state but continues to sew lap quilts for the group, using the fabric squares that were cut here.
Vicki Kuntz has led the group for over 13 years. She says, “This is a group of women who love each other, and as we sew and work together, we share the joys and challenges in our lives.” The ladies use their God-given talents in a number of ways including: cutting squares from fabric scraps to be used as pieces to make quilts, assembling projects in packets, sewing projects together, hand stitching when necessary, ironing, and hand-tying quilts.
Onto each project they sew a red heart, which is their logo, and attach the label, “Stitched with Love for You, Women’s Sewing Group, Faith Evangelical Free Church, Fort Collins, Colorado.” Vicki says, “We want the receiver of our gifts to know that a group of Christian women here in Fort Collins cares about them and their needs.”
The sewing group is in partnership with Pastor Jeannot’s orphanage in Desiré, Haiti. Last year, children at Faith’s Kidz Day Camp made cloth squares with messages for the Desiré kids. Our sewing group used these squares to make wall hangings that were sent down with a Faith team and now hang in the children’s homes. They also made gift bags with sewed personal items for the teenage girls and women who live and work at the orphanage.
The group is also in partnership with organizations such as Poudre Valley Hospital, the Alpha Center, Realities for Children, Crossroads Safehouse, local rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, ministries within Faith, and missionaries in our church. Vicki says, “We need to take care of the needs here in Larimer County and support our Faith missionaries.” From providing layettes for stillborn babies to comforting the aging, Vicki says, “We are truly blessed to be part of their lives.”